He even grabbed a handcart and helped, alongside University
Housing Services Director Martín Castillo, who wrote the
following.

"The housing community and I had the pleasure of interacting
with our new president, Jon Whitmore. I found myself fascinated
not only by how easily and quickly he connected with our freshmen
residents, but also by how down to earth he is. He exhibited a
natural tendency for helping to ease the anxiety felt by families
and students regarding the transition to college life. In those
precious moments he spent interacting with the on-campus
community, President Whitmore delivered a resounding welcome to
our freshmen by taking the time to be a part of their first
experience of living away from home. His ability to share data
that ties student success/retention to living on campus spoke
directly to the parents/families. It is a pleasure to have a
president who understands the underlying connection between
on-campus living and student success!"